1876 REACH THE HIGHEST LATITUDE. 377 



until twenty minutes to noon, when a halt was called. 

 The artificial horizon was then set up, and the flags 

 and banners displayed; these fluttered out bravely 

 before a fresh S.W. wind, which latter, however, was 

 decidedly cold and unpleasant. At noon we obtained 

 a good altitude, and proclaimed our latitude to be 

 83° 20' 26" N., exactly 399.L miles from the North 

 Pole. On this being duly announced three cheers 

 were given, with one more for Captain Nares ; then 

 the whole party, in the exuberance of their spirits at 

 having reached their turning point, sang the " Union 

 Jack of Old England," the " Grand Palseocrystic 

 Sledging Chorus," winding up, like loyal subjects, with 

 " God save the Queen." These little demonstrations 

 had the effect of cheering the men, who nevertheless 

 enjoy good spirits. The instruments were then packed, 

 the colours furled, and our steps retraced to the camp. 

 On arrival the flags were hoisted on our tents and 

 sledges and kept flying for the remainder of the day 

 A magnum of whisky that had been sent by the Dean 

 of Dundee, for the express purpose of being consumed 

 in the highest northern latitude, was produced, and a 

 glass of grog served out to all. It is needless to add 

 his kindness was thoroughly appreciated, nor was he 

 forgotten in the toast of ' absent friends.' 



' We all enjoyed our supper, for we had the hare 

 shot by Dr. Moss at Depot Point, equally divided 

 between our two tents, cooked in our allowance of 

 pemmican, making the latter uncommonly good and 

 savoury. After supper a cigar, presented to us by 

 May before leaving the ship, was issued to each man, 

 and the day was brought to a close with songs, even 



